Types of Coniferous Trees

Conifers grow into some of the world's largest trees.

From dwarf mugo pine (Pinus mugo) to giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteumand), coniferous trees have stood since dinosaurs roamed a tropical Earth over 200 million years ago. Conifers are gymnosperms, plants that reproduce on the surface of leaves or form cones. There are seven or eight families of conifers. Three groups -- plus the dwarf conifers -- are found in the United States.

Cupressaceae

Cypresses form the largest group of conifers. They grow from 40 to 120 feet tall and have scaled or awl-shaped leaves. Many landscaping plans include junipers (Juniperus spp.), which grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10, and incense cedar (Librocedrus decurrens, USDA zones 5 through 9). Western red cedar (Thuja plicata, USDA zones 6 through 8) and Alaskan yellow cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis, USDA zones 5 through 9) belong to different genera. Giant sequoia grows in USDA zones 6 through 9, and coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) grows in USDA zones 7 through 9; these giants can grow 250 to 370 feet tall.

Taxaceae

The yew family wear coats of flat needles that appear almost succulent. English yew (Taxus baccata), another common landscape tree, grows in USDA zones 3 through 8. Conversely, stinking cedar (Torreya californica, USDA zones 7 through 10) is rare, growing only in coastal range valleys. Yews typically grow no taller than 60 feet when allowed to attain their natural height; many hybrids grow as shrubs but demand frequent pruning.

Dwarf Conifer Trees

Considering the size to which many conifers grow, dwarf trees fill the need for evergreens that fit small spaces such as rock gardens. They are single-trunk trees that grow at rates from 1/2 to 6 inches a year. Dwarf or semidwarf trees might stand less than 6 feet tall after 10 years of growth. Pine, fir, cedar, juniper -- every conifer family contains cultivars bred to be small. Even with genetic selection, though, dwarf trees depend on careful pruning to keep them compact. A variety of balsam (Abies balsamea “Nana”) grows to a mere 12 inches tall in 10 years. A variant of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis “Papoose” or “Tenas”) grows 3 feet tall. Dwarf cultivar USDA hardiness zones, as with their larger relatives, typically range from 4 through 8, depending on the cultivar.

About the Author

An avid perennial gardener and old house owner, Laura Reynolds has had careers in teaching and juvenile justice. A retired municipal judgem Reynolds holds a degree in communications from Northern Illinois University. Her six children and stepchildren served as subjects of editorials during her tenure as a local newspaper editor.